Running the Spread in the Red Zone

It was only two years ago that many coaches around the country turned their eyes to the University of Arkansas to see if Gus Malzahn’s Hurry-Up No-Huddle offense could make the jump from high school to college. Truly it was a trial by fire in the brutal SEC.

Now, after a year in Fayetteville and one leading the Tulsa Golden Hurricane’s offense, the jury has reached a verdict.

It works. Tulsa quietly finished second in the nation this past fall in touchdowns with 79. Only Oklahoma, with 80, scored more. One of the major reasons Tulsa did so well in 2007 lies in their efficiency in the red zone. They get touchdowns, not field goals and led all FBS teams in that category.

“We’re really not built from a mentality to kick field goals. We’re not happy with that. At least that isn’t the mindset we want our play....The full article can only be seen by subscribers.Subscribe today!

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